Why MakerKit - A Firebase SaaS Boilerplate for Next.js

Learn why we built MakerKit - a complete boilerplate for building SaaS applications in no time built with Firebase, Next.js and Tailwind CSS

As a maker, I often think about building new projects. Some for fun, some for profit. As you're reading this post, I'm sure it's easy to relate to this feeling.

Sometimes, I used to think: despite having to code a ton of code in my career, it never really compounded to anything.

If I did function after function, I'd have a complete codebase. And by extension, if I had a codebase ready to deploy in a matter of minutes, I'd have superpowers.

Code is a superpower

Having super-powers: there is no other way to explain the feeling of being able to deploy a product, with the potential of getting paid, in such a short amount of time.

I built MakerKit with the intention of being able to provide the following out of the box:

  • A landing page seamlessly integrated with the app
  • An app that lets users authenticate and pay for the app's value proposition

Of course, MakerKit won't be able to provide you with your value proposition, but it can make it plenty easier to get it done.

Ever dreamt of making a startup in 48 hours? Well, MakerKit can get you from 0 to 0.5 in under half an hour (considering creating a Firebase project and setting it up).

Can you develop your value proposition's MVP in 47 hours of work? Congratulations! You have a startup.

Let go of overthinking

I'm not a particularly fast maker: I tend to overthink. Is that button's color correct? Is that how the menu should look? I'm a developer, after all.

Overthinking is our favorite sport.

By starting with something that looks good by default, I'm able to skip the overthinking part and get straight to business, focusing on shipping.

What can you expect from this Saas Starter?

I built MakerKit with two principles:

  • the code should be good enough to use as an example for the code you will be building on top. At the same time, it should not be too clever: figuring out the whys and hows should not be your concern when shipping a product

  • the starter should be a solid foundation, but without making too many assumptions. Every product will be different and with its own peculiarities. It's hard for a SaaS to provide an experience that suits most applications, which is why the data model is light by default

What MakerKit voluntarily leaves out is:

  • clever performance improvements: the application is simple, and I prefer you to see simple code rather than something milliseconds faster

  • complex data model: your data model will change heavily as you develop your application, and if MakerKit stood in your way, it would be a huge failure for us

For a complete list of the technical details (e.g. the libraries it is built on top of), please check out the Technical Details in the documentation.

Will MakerKit release new kits?

Yes, most likely! These will come in the future, but it's in the plans, and we look forward to shipping them.